Just an Update...

Okay I found the name of the young lady who sang at Culture Shock Unplugged thanks to a facebook friend. Her name is Ashley Guin, and she is an amazing singer. You can listen to her music and buy her album on her official site.

-Deonshay Danson

Unplugged!!!

What happens when talented individuals collide with the right venue and a receptive crowd...?

You get Culture Shock Unplugged!!!

My roomate Lamont, myself, and the audience of CS Unplugged a great night of "culture" as we enjoyed the Souled Out Band, talented singers, visual artists, rappers, and spoken word artists. I don't remember the name of the featured singer, but I have my $10 now because Lamont and I want her on our playlist.

We had a good time at the event as we chilled with the hosts of Culture Shock, and got a good daily dose of culture. Saturday made 2 nights in a row that I was caught out with Terrance and Jarmar, and I'm looking forward to many more events...keep me posted guys!

-Deonshay Danson

Soundtrack to my Life...

The other week I told you guys about my love affair with rapper Kid Cudi. He has a very distinct and original sound that has been on my playlist since March.

So I decided to share some of that sound with you today.

-Deonshay Danson

Their back!!!

Singers from my childhood are really making a comeback this year and Boyz II Men just jumped on the "comeback" bandwagon. "Open Arms" is the first single from their 9th studio, and it is classic B2M. I like it.

-Deonshay Danson

Real People Doing Real Things...

Sorry about the delay, but the new segment of "Real People Doing Real Things," is finally here!!! Today's spotlight is on Jurian Isabelle, a filmmaker from Huntsville, Ala. I got to talk to Jurian about his current and future projects, as well as how he became interested in film. So here we go!!!

1. How did you get involved in film? When did you know that film was what you wanted to do? My first time getting involved with "filmmaking" was when I was eight years old, believe it or not. I used to sneak in my dad's drawer and play with his JVC camera. I just always had an inner attraction to the idea of telling a story through images and emotion. I remember making my first "film" when I was 11. It was right after the film "Independence Day" came out with Will Smith, you remember that? LOL! I didn't have the budget for the "effects" but my creativity went a loooooong way. LOL! My mom still pulls that first movie out at family functions, and I, of course, run upstairs and hide under my bed.

2. Where did you get the inspiration for your first film, Veils of Color?

It's kind of semi-autobiographical. I based a lot of it on my life after graduating college and entering the "real" world - being broke, not being able to find a job and suddenly realizing through situations that there was still a considerable amount of racism in this country. It's not as blatant, but it exists. So I wanted to tackle that issue head on.

3. How did you go about filming your movie?

Well, first I had to come up with a decent script. You don't have a movie without a good script. Then it came down to casting. I had in my head some of the actors already, mainly family and friends. The others came through casting calls. Finally, there was principle photography (which is a fancy ass word for shooting). I only could afford to rent the camera and lights for three days, so the entire film had to be shot within that time frame. It was fun, but very tough.

4. What do you hope people will gain from viewing film?
My main goal when I create films is to communicate some sort of relevant message to challenge and change people's hearts and minds. In"Veils of Color", I am communicating to the audience that you can't judge a person from outward appearances - skin color, background, hair, weight, height, they are all "Veils" that we have to remove to see the real person beneath.


5. In what venues will/has your movie been viewed?
So far it has been viewed at the Capri Theatre in Montgomery, AL at the Montgomery Black Film Festival back in August. The next screening will be at the International Black Film Festival in Nashville. Also there will be showings here in Huntsville, AL. I am still talking with the managers at Monaco Pictures, but it's looking good so far.

(Trailer for "Veils of Color")

6. What are some other projects that working on?
I'm doing a short film called "The Last Disciples" for the BET short film competition. The script is done and I will begin shooting that in a few weeks. Prayerfully, it will win. It's basically about three people going through life's trials and tribulations. After that I'm working on a full length film, which is going to be based on the Harlem Renaissance. I can't tell you the complete details on that yet. Sorry Shay, good ideas are the only thing a filmmaker has! LOL!

7. How can people get a copy of the film?
I am currently setting up a film site for "Veils of Color" since it's doing so well. But for the mean time, people can hit me up on Myspace or Facebook to place a money order. Starting next Monday, they can order it through PayPal on my Myspace page. Just google me.

8. How can people get in contact with you about screenings?
They can find me on Facebook: Jurian Isabelle, or shoot me an email: jurianisabelle@gmail.com I check my email fanatically, so they can reach me there for sure.


9. Anything else you want to add?
I just set up my blog nothing's up yet, I'm trying to be like you Deonshay. LOL! This blog is dope. I like it. I also just started my twitter page (@jurianisabelle) so everybody can follow me through all this madness. I never would have believed 18 years ago, I would have accomplished all this. All thanks goes to God definitely.

Well that's it for "Real People Doing Real Things" I'll have a new interview for you soon so stay tuned...

-Deonshay Danson

A Healthy Poke at Health Care...LOL

Protect Insurance Companies PSA from Will Ferrell

This video is so funny, but it is so true. Health Care is a priority for all people, but yet it a commodity that some people just cannot afford. The time has come to make health care an affordable commodity rather than a luxury that some can't have. To find out more about the Pres. Obama's Health Care Plan go here.

-Deonshay Danson

Roll the Film

Okay I promise that it is merely a coincidence that the first two features for the segment "Real People Doing Real Things," are people from my hometown, Huntsville, Ala. When I had the idea to do the feature Eric Ramey was my first thought, and then I received news of an Alabama State University alum who produced a film in the Black Film festival at the Capri Theatre. That alum just happened to be my former classmate and hometown friend Jurian Isabelle.

Jurian and I met in college, as we were both communications majors; he was focusing in radio/television and my concentration is public relations. I didn't know that we were both from Huntsville until the summer of my sophomore year when we ran into each other in the mall.

Jurian graduated from ASU in 2008, and is employed by WHNT-19, Huntsville's CBS affiliate doing production and writing movie reviews. He wrote, directed, produced, and acted in his first film, "Veils of Color," this year.

I can't give it all away, tomorrow my exclusive interview with Jurian will be posted on the blog so stay tuned.

-Deonshay Danson

More from BJ!!!

BJ the Chicago Kid has a new mixtape out "The New Beginning." I'm listening to it as I make this blog posting. The music is a real good listen, and can be found here.

-Deonshay Danson

You Better Be There...

Make sure that you are one of the first to be there on September 26 @ Club Ikonz for Culture Shock Unplugged. The event will include live music, spoken word, and of course the hosts of Culture Shock.

I will be in the building, so hope to see you there.

-Deonshay Danson

Talk with Culture Shock

Recently the guys of Culture Shock got to sit down with WSFA-12 anchor, Tonya Terry. They talk about Culture Shock, the upcoming Culture Shock Unplugged, Kanye West, Whitney Houston, and more. Check it out.

I see Terrance with the wayfarers, and Jarmar rocking the Chucks. And did Terrance just say "Send it to us on Twitter," notice he didn't say "Facebook it to me." LOL!!!

-Deonshay Danson

I Be that Man on the Moon

Last week I got my copy of BP3 and it has been in constant rotation for a week now. Today I snuck off to Best Buy to cop Kid Cudi's debut album "Man on the Moon."

It's a different sound and it makes me happy. He can sing he can rap; his beats give a techno vibe...to say the least...Kid Cudi is weird, but weird/cool. My faves... "Cudi Zone," "Make Her Say," and "Pursuit of Happiness."

Early in the year when "Day n Nite" was in heavy rotation, Cudi announced that his first lp would be his last due to the hate he was receiving, but he has changed his mind. I'm glad, because usual shake your donk, dope boy, swag music is becoming TOO monotonous.

-Deonshay Danson

I Don't know Why I like Heist Movies...I just Do!!

I love heist movies, and the movie Takers looks like one that I will have to see. The line-up of actors is ridiculous!!! The movie features T.I, Idris Elba, Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Michael Ely and Chris Brown.

Definitely a MUST SEE!

-Deonshay Danson

I Don't Want to Come on TOO Strong...

Keri Hilson

"Slow Dance"

-Deonshay Danson

It's finally here...the first exclusive interview of the new segment "Real People Doing Real Things."

Today's spotlight is on Eric Ramey, musician/producer.

1. How and when did you fall in love with music? When did you know that you could take your talent beyond just a hobby?
I don't know when exactly, my dad is a musician so I've been around music my whole life. I used to sit around and watch him play, go to his band rehersals, and shows...fun times :) I really got in to it when I was about 16; that's when I actually picked up the bass and got serious. I realized when I was working jobs like Hollister and Sam Goody, and could make more money in 3hrs doing music than in a week at these jobs, and be doing what I would do for free...MUSIC!!!

2. What are you doing currently with your music?
I'm submitting my stuff to different artists mainstream and indy. I work with a couple other guys, when we get together we are called the Hit Frat. Kameron Pearson is my right hand man; he is a monsterous keyboardist. We have taken stuff to Warner Music, and it was being played for A&R's of a lot of labels. We also have some things going on over seas in Asia creating a buzz. A lot of the dj's are digging the stuff.

3. Where have you performed and where would you like to perform?
LOL I don't remember the places I've peformed. Um... I've been on Bobby Jones Gospel, Canada, did a tour with the Albert Dudley Singers, and I used to play with Obvious Obsession Gogo band, we used to kill live shows. Now I'm with Michael B. Hicks, a cat outta Nashville Tenn., his album "This is life" is gonna be crazy hot, soulful type stuff. Check him out on facebook! I don't have a specific place I would like to perform at, I just love being on stage small, medium, large I don't care I just wanna play.

4. Who have you worked with? Who would you like to work with?
Amber Bullock, Jstyles, Mike B. Hicks, Phil Hughley, Eddie Spanky Alford, and others buts that's a few...I'd like to work with... Musiq, Mary Mary, Common, India Arie, John Mayer, The Neptunes, Justin Timberlake, PJ Morton, Rihanna, Brandy, and lots of others too many to name.

5. Who are some of your musical influences?
Kelvin Wooten, Spanky Alford, my dad, Pfunk, John Mayer, and all the motown stuff. James Jamerson, Coldplay, Steely Dan, Pino Pallidino, Jaco, Darkchild, Norris Jones, Al Green,
Average white band, Concha Buika, Raphael Saddiq, Marcus Miller, and lots more but i won't put them.

6. What is your biggest goal musically?
To get my music heard and apreciated, and to start getting mailbox money lol. I don't want to get to a point where I'm stuck in one place as far as the type of music I do. I want to be able to produce and write every style and genre effectively and authentically from country and rock to r&b and hiphop.

7. How can people get in touch with you to book you for events?
eramey85@gmail.com

8. Anything else that you want to add? What has been your biggest obstacle?
Support indy artist don't burn their cds!!! The biggest obstacle has been getting heard I have hot material, but without an avenue to get heard you have hot stuff with no listeners!

Well that raps up the first edition of "Real People Doing Real Things." Next time...filmmaker Jurian Isabelle.

Stay Tuned....

-Deonshay Danson

It's About Time...

The wait for little girls of color is over. Disney has created it's first full length animated film with a black princess. First, I didn't even know that Disney still made animated feature films, because all I ever see are Pixar movies. Second, it's about time that young black girls have a Disney princess that they can call there own.

I grew up watching Disney movies, my faves (Lion King, Pocahontas, Mulan, and Aladdin). Notice how Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty are not in my faves. Even as a young girl, I was well aware of my skin complexion and the implications of it, and it bothered me that Disney, which was for ALL kids, didn't have any princesses who even came close to looking like me. Pocahontas, Mulan, and Princess Jasmine diversified their princess pool, and I particularly liked Pocahontas and Mulan for their strength and courage.

I still think that it is a shame that we got a Black president before we got a Black Disney Princess, and maybe the election served as a catalyst for Disney to make a Black Princess. The movie comes out this holiday season and I will be taking my teenage sister (17) and my baby sister (1) to go see this movie, even if the teenager doesn't want to go...lol.

-Deonshay Danson

Hitting the Stands

(Click to enlarge)

Okay tomorrow I am hitting you guys with a new segment of the blog called..."Real people doing real things." The segment will feature exclusive interviews with talented musicians, models, filmmakers, writers, and other all around AMAZING people.

The first segment will feature one of my childhood friends, Eric Ramey, musician/producer. He the son of Derrick and Michelle Ramey, the second of four boys. Since I've known Eric he has always loved music. We met growing up at the New Life SDA Church in Huntsville, Ala. His family on both sides were over all the choirs, and music in general. His aunt directed the adult choir, his mom directed the youth choir, his grandmother directed the children's choir, and his father lead the musicians. Eric followed in their footsteps and can play a number of instruments, but his baby is the bass guitar.

Of my memories of Eric, I particularly remember our trip my senior prom...sorry no pic available ;) Eric had been coming into his own as a bass player, and somehow ended up on stage with live band. He showed out on the bass, and all of my classmates said that I had the AWESOME prom date. Thanks Eric!

I can talk about how wonderful Eric is for days, but this is all for today. Tomorrow I'm hitting you with the exclusive..."Real People Doing Real Things" FEATURING Eric Ramey....

Stay tuned....

-Deonshay Danson

I Can't Watch....

There's a new trend going on in cosmetic surgery...eye color transplants. Women, especially women of color are going to Panama to get their eye color permanently changed.

Wow, was all I could say when I first read about this procedure. What ever happened to just getting colored contacts, or just being proud of your deep brown eyes?

I'll say like I said when I posted the "Good Hair" we as a people are going to have to love ourselves. We can't let the media image of beauty decide for us what is beautiful and what is not beautiful. We are all beautiful in our own particular way. You may not have light colored eyes or long straight hair, but you may possess kindness, patience, or generosity that makes you more beautiful than any runway model.

Beauty is more than looks, beauty is personality, beauty is spirit, beauty is in the mind.

Let's love ourselves and the way we were created.

-Deonshay Danson

Back to the Future...

I was perusing one of my favorite blogs that I don't write for...Concrete Loop, and got put on to a new singer, Brittany Bosco. And I think I'm in love with her sound, to say the very least.

I don't really get excited about today's singers unless they have some qualities of yesterday's singers. And Brittany Bosco has just that. Her sound gives me a Harlem Renaissance kind of vibe; she reminds me of Billie Holiday. You can listen or download her album Spectrum 2.0 here.

-Deonshay Danson